How to Read RAR Files

RAR files are similar to ZIP files. Like ZIP files, RAR files consist of a number of different files that have been compressed to make storage or transfer simpler and faster. RAR files cannot be opened in most programs. WinRAR is a program specifically made to read RAR files. When you open an RAR file in WinRAR, you will be able to read all of the individual files that make up the RAR file. ExtractNow is another file reader that works with several types of compressed files, including RAR.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection

1. Download WinRAR or ExtractNow to your computer. WinRAR is free to download and can be used for 40 days at no cost. ExtractNow is a completely free program.

2. Install WinRAR or ExtractNow on your system. The prompts will walk you through the simple installation process for either program.

3. Open a WinRAR archive. Under the "File" menu, look for the option to open an archive. Browse your system and find the RAR file you want to read.

4. Click on the individual RAR file or folder that you would like to open. The files in the archive you selected will automatically populate into the WinRAR or ExtractNow reader. You can open individual files from there.

5. Work with the files as normal. Each individual file will open in a compatible program, such as Word or Windows Photo Gallery. Once the file opens in a compatible program, you can save the file as a different file type if you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• Some RAR files, such as movie files, require that all files in the RAR archive be present in order to view the movie. If your file will not open, it's possible that you are missing a file.

References

• RARLAB

Resources

• WinRAR download